How to Treat Gastrostomy Tube Infections

A gastrostomy tube is used for either feeding, giving medications or decompression. If the tube is used for decompression, air or liquids may be passed or taken out of your stomach through the tube. In most instances of decompression, a gastrostomy tube can help alleviate vomiting and stomach pain. A G-tube is inserted into your stomach and requires constant vigilance to combat against infection.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Antibiotic cream
• Sterile bandages
• Warm water
• Cotton swabs
• Latex gloves
• Medical tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Don't touch infected skin with your bare hands.

  Wash your hands prior to the treatment of the infection. Thoroughly dry your hands and put on a pair of latex gloves.

• 2

  Remove any previous bandages around the G-tube. Gently wash the surrounding skin with warm water and soap.

• 3

  Use cotton swabs for ointment application.

  Remove any crusting of skin that has developed around the G-tube as gently as possible. Pat dry the skin. Take a cotton swab dipped in antibiotic ointment and liberally apply the ointment on the infected skin.

• 4

  Use sterile bandages.

  Redress the infected site with sterile bandages. Tape the bandage in place. Wash your hands after dressing the infection site.

• 5

  Get a prescription for antibiotics if necessary.

  Monitor your G-tube for leaking fluids and call your physician. As indicated by drugs.com, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection from your body.